Cumulus May Be Dropping Limbaugh, Hannity

Cumulus Media, the second-biggest radio broadcasting company in the nation, is reportedly planning to drop Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity from its stations, according to a Politico report. An industry source informed Politico that Cumulus will not renew its contracts with the two highest-rated talk show hosts in America at the end of year, removing Hannity and Limbaugh from over 40 Cumulus channels.

The decision comes after disagreements between Cumulus and Premiere Networks, which is the division of Clear Channel that distributes the hosts’ shows. Politico reports that two companies were at odds concerning the price of distribution rights, and that a compromise seems unlikely.

“Cumulus is not in a position to comment about negotiations with talent under contract, no matter what the rumor of the day might be,” a spokesperson told Politico.

The New York Daily News reported in May that Limbaugh was set to leave Cumulus after he was accused by CEO Lew Dickey of adding to the company’s financial losses after making comments about Sandra Fluke that some deemed offensive. Two days after the remarks, Dickey reported a $2.4 million decline in revenue which he indirectly attributed to Limbaugh.

But don't throw out the old AM just yet: It's possible that Limbaugh and Hannity, if dropped by Cumulus, would be quickly picked up by the Clear Channel stations in those markets.

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